Netball officials backed over Ioane send-off
A judicial hearing into the suspension and ordering off of Northern Stars wing defence Fa’amu Ioane has come out in favour of the officials involved.
An ANZ Premiership statement said the judicial officer confirmed that the umpires had followed correct processes.
However, it added that there was an opportunity to address supporting procedures and processes, which may result in some changes for the second half of the 2018 season.
The judicial officer also found that the way in which the suspension of Ioane was described by the umpire created confusion to the basis of her suspension, although the ruling ultimately was justified.
Ioane was ordered off with just under eight minutes remaining in last month’s 60-54 defeat to the Northern Mystics.
She had earlier been suspended from play for two minutes in the third quarter after repeatedly infringing. And when she continued to do so once returning, culminating in a contact foul, Ioane was ordered off – an event rarely seen in netball.
Recommendations for possible rule-changes in the ANZ Premiership have been made following the judicial hearing and commissioner Kate Agnew did not rule out making changes midseason.
‘‘Because it is a rare occurrence in netball to have a player ordered off we need to ensure that the process is well-supported and clear for officials to implement and athletes and teams to understand,’’ Agnew said.
‘‘The judicial hearing has given us the opportunity to address some of these areas which may result in an update of or addition to the ANZ Premiership rules.
‘‘The ANZ Premiership continues to fully support umpires decision-making in line with the 2018 Game Management Rules. All parties involved with the ANZ Premiership need to understand and recognise their responsibilities within the competition and any potential consequences of their actions.’’
A review of the rules was welcomed by Northern Stars coach Kiri Wills, although she expressed disappointment at the result of the hearing.
Despite Ioane not being cautioned or warned prior to the suspension, rules allow for players to be suspended without cautions or warnings if the officials deem the infringement warrants suspension.
‘‘In the best interests of the game, the feedback system between umpires and players/ coaches should continue to be reviewed to ensure all parties can learn and develop from each game,’’ Wills said in a statement.
‘‘The athletes do need to know where the boundaries are and can only do so when umpires are clear and consistent in terms of their application of the rules.’’
● Meanwhile the Mainland Tactix host the Magic in a fifth round match in Christchurch tonight.